User`s guide

the finished results are sent back to the client. This provides more efficient time management for users
because the local workstation has less processing time and more "up" time available to the user.
Many modern computer applications are based on this client/server architecture. A simple client/server
application has two parts: a server-based application that is located on a network server machine, and
a client-based application that is located on a user's workstation. The server application handles complex,
time-consuming, or power-demanding processes, taking advantage of the network server's power and
resources, while the client application provides an easy-to-use user interface designed to help get the
work done faster and better than it could otherwise be done.
Often, a client/server application will be available with a certain number of seats, depending on the cost
of the application. Each seat represents either a single client workstation, or a single client user
(depending on the software vendors' specifications) that can be connected to the client/server software.
Software vendors often sell additional seats for their applications, each seat coming with a complete
set of client application software.
Do not confuse server applications with network server computers. Both are often referred to as servers.
However, a server application resides on a network server, taking advantage of the hardware and
operating system capabilities of the server machine, while a network server is a physical machine to
which network clients are connected by cables or some other connection device.
23.2.2 SQL DBMS
An SQL Database Management System is a common example of a client/server software package. A
standard SQL DBMS will include an SQL server application that handles all the actual work of building
and working with databases and database data. The DBMS will also include at least one set of SQL
client software (one seat) that can connect to the SQL server over your network. SQL client software
usually consists of, at the very least, an SQL statement editor that you can use to write and execute
SQL statements, and an underlying communications layer that works with the SQL server application
over the network.
When you execute an SQL statement, the client software passes the statement to the communications
layer, which sends the statement over the network to the server software. The SQL server analyzes
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Understanding Databases